Ergonomic Office Chairs

What Are Ergonomic Chairs? 

Ergonomics is the term given to the practice of fitting a job around the worker. This involves designing workstations and everything in them to reduce the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders (or MSDs) by using biotechnology. Unlike standard desk chairs, ergonomic chairs offer features that support your body and reduce your risk of injuries while working.

There are different types of chairs that work ergonomically to suit different jobs and conditions. For example, if you often experience lower back strain then a kneeling chair might be the right choice for you.

So why is using an ergonomic office chair important? Let's take a look at some of the benefits to keep in mind.

The Best Ergonomic Chair Can Improve Your Posture

If you are working long hours at a desk then your posture will quickly start to suffer.

Chairs that don't offer the right kind of support will leave you leaning forward and hunching over your desk. An ergonomic chair in NZ is designed to support your posture so that you don't have to compromise it when sitting at your desk.

It Will Reduce Pain

Changes to your posture can leave you feeling uncomfortable or even in pain. This is because you end up putting pressure on all of the wrong parts of your body.

Ergonomic chairs focus on relieving this pressure by providing support in the right places. This helps to keep your joints in a position that is neutral, so you don't strain them while working.

Ergonomic Chairs Reduce Your Risk of Workplace Injuries

Over time working without proper support can result in serious musculoskeletal injuries. This might result in your having to take time off work. From an employer's perspective, it is also a good idea to invest in proper chairs for your offices. Reducing the risk of injuries also lowers your chances of facing workplace compensation claims.

Ergonomic Office Chairs in NZ Guarantee Safety

In order for a chair to be "ergonomic", it has to go through a number of different testing stages. This ensures that it can guarantee the safety and support that it is advertised. All ergonomic chairs are designed for long-term use, which means that they are extremely durable. 

With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the features you should consider when picking an office chair. 

Finding the Right Seat Height 

Any decent ergonomic chair should be adjustable so that it suits your height best. You can usually adjust the height of an ergonomic chair using a lever or button. Ideally, these controls should be simple to use and easily accessible.

If you are particularly tall or short then you need to make sure that your chair can accommodate your height. As a rule of thumb, your chair will need to be a quarter of your overall height.

In order to sit safely and comfortably in your chair, you should be able to sit with your thighs horizontal to the floor. 

Getting Proper Back Support

Proper back support chairs will ensure that your spine alignment is correct throughout the day. To make sure that a chair can provide this, you should look for an adjustable backrest. This should also have a locking mechanism that stops the backrest from leaning too far backwards.

Your chair should also provide decent support for your lumbar region, which is the part of your spine that curves inwards slightly. To do this, you'll need a backrest that follows the curve of your spine rather than going straight up and down. This will stop you from slumping and putting pressure on your lumbar discs while you work.

Keeping Your Arms in the Right Position

Arm support is something that people often overlook when choosing an office chair. After all, you can rest your arms on your desk and often they're moving while you work. 

However, proper arm support is vital if you are going to stop yourself from slouching at your desk. This minimizes the amount of strain on your neck and shoulders even if you don't use the armrests all of the time. For maximum comfort, look for a chair that offers adjustable armrest support. That way you can make your chair work for you.

Choosing the Right Material

When it comes to thinking about the ergonomics of your chair, the material that it is made of might not seem like the most important thing. But this can make a huge difference to your comfort when using the chair and for other practicalities, like keeping it clean.

Finding a Chair That Suits Your Size

Obviously finding the perfect chair for you depends a lot on your size and shape. So it's important to think about this when looking at the depth and width of a chair. The taller you are, the deeper a seat you will need. As a general rule, you should be able to sit with your back against the backrest and your knees between two to four inches from the chair seat. This will help to distribute your weight evenly across the chair, which will make the most of its ergonomic benefits. If your weight isn't evenly distributed then you might find yourself straining parts of your body.

Trying Out a Kneeling Chair

When it comes to office ergonomics, kneeling chairs are all the rage at the moment. These look a little unconventional as they don't offer armrests or back support. Instead, you sit on a cushioned stool with your knees resting against a pad and your legs bent. So your feet end up resting beneath the seat of the chair. If you struggle with lower back pain or strain then this can be a great option. These chairs distribute your body weight between your shins and your buttocks. This reduces the amount of pressure on the bottom of your back even if you have to sit at your desk for hours at a time.

Browse Our Ergonomic Office Chairs in NZ Today!

The modern workplace demands more than just functionality. It calls for comfort, design, and health-centric solutions. At Capital Commercial Furniture, we understand this completely. Discover our collection of ergonomic office chairs, ensuring you not only work efficiently but healthily too. Shop our ergonomic office chairs in NZnow!

Curious about our broader range? Dive into our extensive selection of office chairs in NZ. For those ready to invest in their workplace well-being, buy office chairs in NZ from our curated collection.